Stagger Panel Edges at Wood Shear Walls?

[dengebre]

For wood shear walls sheathed with wood panels, does it matter which direction the panels span over the wall studs, or if adjoining edges are staggered? The SDPWS differentiates between different cases for wood diaphragms, but I cannot find anything for shear walls.

 

[KootK]

does it matter which direction the panels span over the wall studs

No, I don't believe that it does matter for shear walls. It does for horizontal diaphragms though.

or if adjoining edges are staggered?

Also no. That said, my personal opinion is that staggered panels would be stiffer wrt to shear.